TO 1-1-700 - Robins Air Force Base

TO 1-1-700
NOTE
• If a vapor degreaser is used, operation and control
instructions furnished by the manufacturer of the
degreaser must be strictly followed to prevent the
possibility of acid residues being left on the item
which would render the VCI ineffective as well as
promoting corrosion.
• When a VCI material is to be used on assemblies
containing operational lubricants, the compatibility
of the specific VCI with the lubricants being used
must be established prior to using the VCI.
• Prior to the application of the VCI to the assemblies,
any excess oil must be drained off.
• Items protected with bonded films such as molybdenum
disulfide solid film lubricants require no
special treatment prior to using a VCI.
a. Clean and dry items in accordance with requirements of
MIL-STD-2073-1.
b. After cleaning the items completely enclose the item in
VCI treated materials or wrap with strips of material
without any other material between the item and the
wrapping. Complete wrapping, where feasible, is preferred.
c. Wrap by placing the treated face of the material toward
the item being wrapped.
d. Apply the wraps in such a manner that any air entering
the pack will pass through and/or over the surface of the
VCI before reaching the item.
e. Apply the VCI treated materials no more than 12 inches
away from any surfaces to be protected.
f. If using VCI treated transparent bags, MIL-B-22020, the
opening should be heat sealed whenever possible.
5.19 DESICCANTS.
A desiccant is any substance that draws moisture from its
environment and retains it. Different desiccant products have
different properties such as absorption rates, capacities, effective
operating temperature ranges, etc.
5.19.1 Usage. Desiccants are used when humidity and
moisture need to be mitigated. They are typically an inexpensive,
inert and environmentally safe product which keeps
products dry very effectively.
5.19.2 Application. The application of a desiccant involves
segregating the item from the environment. Desiccants absorb
moisture until they are completely saturated. If new air is
allowed to pass into the protected areas the desiccant will
eventually become saturated or “full”. That is why when using
desiccant it is important to place the item in a relatively isolated
condition such as a well-sealed carton lined with a poly
bag or a full-fledged heat sealed foil barrier bag with the desiccant
inside. The desiccant will dry the air inside the container
and keep the item dry.
5.19.3 Usage Areas. When properly used, desiccants
should keep products dry for many years. The key to a good
result with desiccant is good packaging. Remember a desiccant
is like a sponge.
5.19.4 Moisture. Use desiccant wherever moisture is detrimental
to the item. If the item is susceptible to corrosion it is a
good idea, but not necessary to use it along with a VCI. The
more layers of protection you have the better.
5.19.5 Benefits. The benefits of using desiccant products
are:
• They are very inexpensive.
• They are clean, dry and environmentally safe.
• They are easy to use and save labor and repair costs.
• They present virtually no health concerns.
5.20 DESICCANT APPLICATION.
The following procedures should be use during the application
of desiccants:
NOTE
When direct contact is absolutely unavoidable, the
desiccant shall be isolated from the item with MIL-
PRF-121 barrier material and MIL-DTL-6060, as applicable.
a. Desiccants shall be in standard unit sized bags conforming
to MIL-D-3464, Type I, unless Type II or III is
specified or required because of special characteristics
of the item.
b. Place the desiccant in a location in the pack/container or
item most accessible to voids in the item or pack interior.
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